Subscribe to this blog

Follow by Email

Search this Blog

The collector of insults | Anecdotes, parables and organizational reflections

Anecdotes, parables, fables
and reflections

In the days running, it is convenient to cede space to this Buddhist allegory that transcribes Paulo Coelho and which will pause to many.

Close to Tokyo lived a great samuray, now elderly, who was devoted to teaching zen Buddhism to young people. Despite his age, he ran the legend that was capable of defeating any adversary. One day a warrior known for his total lack of scruples went through the old House. He was famous for using the technique of provocation: he hoped that the adversary made its first move and, thanks to their intelligence privileged to catch bugs, counterattacked with fulminant speed. The young and impatient Warrior had never lost a battle. Knowing the reputation of the old samuray, he was there to defeat him and further increase his fame.

Students of zen who were present were against the idea, but the old man accepted the challenge. Then they all went on the town square, where the young man began to provoke the old. He threw some stones in their direction, spat in the face, and yelled all the insults known, offending even to their ancestors. For several hours he did everything possible out of boxes, but the old remained impassive. At the end of the evening, already exhausted and humiliated, the young warrior withdrew from the square.

Disappointed by the fact that his teacher should accept as many insults and provocations, the students asked him:

-How has been able to bear so much indignity? Why he didn't use his sword, even knowing that it could lose the fight, instead of showing it as a coward before all of us?

The old samuray answered:

-If someone is approaching you with a gift and not accept it, who owns the gift?

-Of course, who tried to deliver it – replied one of the disciples.

-Because the same voucher for envy, rage and insults - added the master. When they are not accepted, continue to belong to who carried them with him.

No one aggresses us or makes us feel bad: are the ones who decide how we feel. Do not blame anyone for our feelings: we are solely responsible for them. That is what is called assertiveness.

Translated for educational purposes

Article Title:

The collector of insults | Anecdotes, parables and organizational reflections